I personally like coco coir I buy compressed blocks it hold humidity well and is cheap and a good enviromental friendly choice.
The thermostats there is a lot of debate and controversy over them personally I don't trust on/off types. I had one (500r) that would click on the temps would shoot up and click off and drop. I fretted constantly about it until it was replaced. This type at least in my opinion need to be buffered against the tubs, I have experimented with pvcx and a sheet of plexglas both worked ok. The tub placed on the pvcx/plexy and pad under it probe under the tub. It take a few moments for the heat to warm the intermediate material so the spike is absorbed. The problem is you are spending money to heat a insulator.
I'd try to buy the bottom of the line Herpstat it is a lot more but not really that much. about 100$ You can set the temp on it and they will feather the power to deliver the correct temp on the pad. No problems and no fiddling with it. twice the price of a ranco easier to use and no massive spikes. Opinion here. The Helixs are about the same and close to the same price.
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